What is the pancreas?
A pinky-grey gland
How many lobes does the pancreas have?
2
Which cells produce insulin?
Beta cells
Which cells produce glucagon?
Alpha cells
What form is glucose stored as?
Glycogen
What is glycogenesis?
When glycogen is broken down to release glucose
Where can glycogen be stored?
Liver and muscles
What are the islets of langerhans?
Clusters of cells within the pancreas which secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
What causes diabetes mellitus in dogs?
Usually destruction of the islets of langerhans
What causes diabetes mellitus in cats?
Usually insulin resistance due to obesity
Why does glucose appear in urine in diabetes patients?
As glucose cannot move into the cells, the glucose level rises above renal threshold and the kidneys do not have the capacity to filter it.
Why does diabetes mellitus cause PUPD?
Increased glucose increases osmotic pressure within the renal tubule causing osmotic diuresis. The pet must then drink more to compensate for the increased urine production.
What are the waste products of fat metabolism?
Cholesterol and ketones
Why does fat metabolism cause acidosis?
Ketones (waste product) are acidic which impacts the pH of the blood
How does untreated diabetes mellitus affect the CNS?
Ketone levels have a toxic affect on the CNS (until this stage the brain is relatively unaffected as it does not need insulin for glucose uptake)
What are the symptoms of DKA?
V+, D+, anorexia, depression, collapse, oliguria, anuria, dehydration, shallow but fast RR, coma and death.
What are the symptoms of Keto acidosis in cats (uncommon)?
Plantigrade posture
What is the treatment of KA?
IVFT
Bicarbonate (to correct acidosis)
Insulin
When should diabetic patients be fed?
At the time of insulin administration (usually every 12 hours)
What should an owner monitor in a diabetic patient?
Appetite
Drinking
Urine output
Weight control
Exercise routine
What are glucose curves used for?
They indicate how long insulin is effective for and when the lowest glucose level occurs.
What does fructosamine tell you?
Indication of blood glucose control over 2-3 weeks
What is hyperadrenocorticism also known as?
Cushing ‘s disease
What is cushings?
Excessive cortisol.
